12-year-old gets cannabis caution

A BOY of 12 has been cautioned by police after being caught with cannabis in a school playground. The child, from the Macclesfield area, was suspended from classes after an older boy was rushed to hospital after smoking the illegal drug.

A BOY of 12 has been cautioned by police after being caught with cannabis in a school playground.

The child, from the Macclesfield area, was suspended from classes after an older boy was rushed to hospital after smoking the illegal drug.

The school concerned has refused to comment, but a Cheshire council spokesman said: "This all came to light after a boy fell ill at the school. He was checked and taken to hospital as a precaution. After examination it was found the boy had been smoking cannabis.

"The police were called and another boy, aged 12, was arrested and cautioned for possession of drugs."

The older pupil was released from hospital the same day.

Action

It is not known whether the two boys have returned to school, but governors will now decide what further action to take against the 12-year-old who brought the cannabis into the school.

Macclesfield West county councillor Ken Edwards, a former head teacher, said: "It's a sad day when a youngster aged 12 can get hold of drugs and feels confident enough to take them into school.

"I'm sure the school will take it very seriously. It's a difficult and shocking situation and crucial that this youngster gets all the support and help he needs."

The county council spokesman added: "Schools in Cheshire do a tremendous amount with drugs education, but you are always going to get a case that slips through the net. Parents wanting more information about drugs education at their child's school should contact the school."